Chocolate sprinkles, also known as "hagelslag" in the Netherlands, are a beloved topping for bread, pastries, and desserts around the world. But where did this popular treat come from, and how did it spread across the globe? In this blog post, we'll explore the history of chocolate sprinkles, from their humble beginnings in the Netherlands to their widespread popularity today.

The origins of chocolate sprinkles can be traced back to the early 20th century in the Netherlands. At that time, chocolate was a luxury item that was primarily consumed in the form of bars or hot cocoa. However, a Dutch confectioner named Gerard de Vries saw an opportunity to make chocolate more accessible and appealing to the masses.

In 1936, de Vries invented a machine that could produce long, thin strands of chocolate. He called this new product "hagelslag," which translates to "hailstorm" in English. The name was inspired by the way the chocolate strands looked when they fell on a piece of bread, resembling small hailstones.

At first, hagelslag was primarily marketed to children as a fun and tasty way to enjoy chocolate. The product quickly gained popularity, and other confectioners began to produce their own versions of hagelslag. Over time, different shapes and flavors of sprinkles were introduced, including colored sprinkles and non-chocolate varieties.

In the 1950s, chocolate sprinkles started to make their way beyond the borders of the Netherlands. Dutch immigrants brought hagelslag with them to other countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia. In these countries, chocolate sprinkles became known as "jimmies," "hundreds and thousands," and "sprinkles," respectively.